California man charged with using the mail to distribute methamphetamine to Vermont

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment today charging Alexis Ocegueda, 23, with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and attempted distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to Court documents, the United States alleges that during the conspiracy, Ocegueda shipped packages containing methamphetamine from San Diego, California to Vermont using the United States Postal Service.  As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized over 250 grams of methamphetamine shipped by Ocegueda to addresses in Vermont.

On December 13, 2017, Ocegueda was arrested by United States Postal Inspectors and agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration at his residence in San Diego, California pursuant to a Criminal Complaint and Arrest Warrant issued by the Honorable John M. Conroy, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Vermont.  On December 19, 2017, Ocegueda appeared before the Honorable William V. Gallo, United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California.  Ocegueda stipulated to his pretrial detention, and was ordered removed to the District of Vermont.  Ocegueda’s initial appearance in the District of Vermont has not yet been scheduled

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations and that Ocegueda is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If Ocegueda is convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and a maximum possible sentence of forty years on each alleged count. 

United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service in the investigation of Ocegueda.  Nolan added, “it is through such collaborative efforts across agencies and jurisdictions that we bring large-scale traffickers of dangerous drugs to justice.  This case exemplifies how our dedicated public servants in law enforcement join forces for the health and safety of the citizens they are sworn to protect.  We thank DEA, USPIS, and their local partners for closing off this methamphetamine pipeline that ran from the west coast to Vermont.” 

“This arrest reflects DEA’s strong commitment to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “DEA and its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of Vermont.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Vermont and across the country, as well as our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone who traffics this poison.”

“It is our duty as Postal Inspectors to go after those individuals who attempt to ship illicit drugs through the US Mail.  The war on drugs has been an on-going and hard fought battle for law enforcement.  Postal Inspectors will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to use the Postal Service to facilitate drug trafficking,” said Nichole Cooper, Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. An attorney has not yet appeared in Vermont on behalf of Ocegueda.  The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service – Los Angeles Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service – Boston Division.